As people age, changes in the feet can lead to several common conditions that impact mobility and comfort. Heel pain may arise from plantar fasciitis or thinning of the protective fat pad. Osteoarthritis can cause stiffness and joint discomfort, making walking difficult. Fat pad atrophy reduces natural cushioning, increasing pressure on the bones and skin. Additionally, peripheral arterial disease can reduce blood flow, leading to cold feet, discoloration, or slow-healing wounds. A chiropodist can assess these concerns, offer personalized treatments, and recommend proper footwear or custom insoles to restore comfort and function. If you are elderly and have developed foot conditions, it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist for expert care and support tailored to your specific needs.

Foot problems can become increasingly common as we age, making everyday foot care especially important. To learn more about maintaining proper foot health, please consult with Paul A. Scotti, D.Ch from West Toronto Foot & Ankle Clinic Inc. . Our chiropodist will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

Common Foot Problems

Certain foot problems may be more likely to affect older adults. 

Some examples of foot conditions that can be common in older adults include: 

• Dry, cracked skin

• Calluses and corns

• Blisters

• Ingrown toenails

• Deformities such as bunions or hammertoes

• Fungal infections

• Plantar warts

Systemic conditions, such as diabetes or arthritis, are also more likely to affect older people and manifest symptoms in the feet and ankles. 

Daily Foot Care Tips

Having a daily foot care routine can help detect problems early on and prevent future issues. 

Things that you can do at home to care for your feet include: 

• Washing the feet daily with warm water, drying them thoroughly, and then applying a moisturizer 

• Trimming the toenails straight across and not too short to prevent ingrown toenails

• Performing daily foot exercises to improve foot strength and mobility

• Wearing shoes when walking to avoid injury

• Inspecting the feet daily for any cuts, scrapes, sores, or other abnormalities and seeking prompt treatment if any problems are discovered 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Soccer players frequently deal with foot injuries that can interfere with their performance and comfort on the field. Blisters from friction, bruised or damaged toenails, and overuse injuries like plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis are common. Younger athletes may also develop Sever's disease, which affects the growth plate in the heel. These conditions can cause pain, swelling, and limited mobility, if not properly addressed. A chiropodist can evaluate, diagnose, and treat these injuries through custom orthotics, targeted therapies, footwear recommendations, and preventative care. Whether you have a minor irritation or a chronic foot issue, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for treatment.

Injuries to the foot and ankle are very common among athletes. If you have experienced an injury, please consult with Paul A. Scotti, D.Ch from West Toronto Foot & Ankle Clinic Inc. . Our chiropodist will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

Common Injuries Among Athletes: 

• Achilles tendon injuries

• Ankle strains or sprains

• Plantar fasciitis

• Fractures

• Turf toe 

• Joint dislocations

• Sever’s disease

• Morton’s neuroma

Symptoms

Symptoms will depend on the cause and severity of the injury. Common symptoms for a foot or ankle injury include pain, swelling, tenderness, bruising, a reduced range of motion, and difficulty bearing weight or walking on the affected foot or ankle. 

Diagnosis

Sports injuries are typically diagnosed after carefully examining the affected foot or ankle. This includes moving the injured area to test its range of motion. Medical history will need to be provided, as well as detailed information about how the injury occurred. Imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRIs, may be used to confirm or rule out certain diagnoses. 

Treatment

Just like symptoms, treatment will depend on the type of injury and its severity. Initial treatment for many sports injuries is aimed at controlling inflammation and promoting the healing response. The acronym R.I.C.E is a helpful guide to implement for most acute injuries. This method involves resting, icing, compressing, and elevating the affected foot or ankle. In addition, anti-inflammatory medications may be administered and orthotic devices may be prescribed. For more severe injuries, surgery may be required. Lastly, rehabilitation or physical therapy may be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain, often felt most sharply with the first steps in the morning or after long periods of rest. It occurs when the thick band of tissue along the bottom of the foot becomes irritated or overstretched, leading to inflammation where it attaches to the heel bone. While the pain may ease with movement, it often returns without proper treatment. Managing plantar fasciitis involves reducing strain on the foot while supporting healing. Rest and targeted stretching can help relieve symptoms early on. Wearing supportive footwear with good arch support and cushioning is key. Many people also benefit from custom orthotics to offload pressure from the heel and improve alignment. If pain continues, treatments may include splints worn at night, or advanced options such as shockwave therapy. For ongoing or worsening symptoms, it is suggested you see a chiropodist for diagnosis and treatment tailored to your needs.

Plantar fasciitis can be painful and interfere with your daily activities. If you are experiencing foot or heel pain and believe you may be afflicted with plantar fasciitis, please consult with Paul A. Scotti, D.Ch from West Toronto Foot & Ankle Clinic Inc. . Our chiropodist will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis refers to the inflammation of the plantar fascia, a ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the heel bone to the toes. Repetitive activities, such as running or jumping, can injure the plantar fascia over time. Plantar fasciitis can also be caused by flat feet, high arches, pregnancy, and activities that put excessive pressure on your feet, like standing all day for work. When the plantar fascia becomes inflamed, it causes pain and discomfort. 

Symptoms

Typical symptoms of plantar fasciitis include:

• Stabbing pain near the heel

• Pain that is worst in the morning or after a period of rest

• Pain that increases after exercising

• Swelling

• Tightness in the Achilles tendon

Diagnosis

Plantar fasciitis is typically diagnosed via medical history and physical examination. 

Treatment

Treatments for plantar fasciitis include resting and icing the affected foot, stretching the foot, taking medications to reduce inflammation, and wearing orthotics. In severe cases where pain does not improve with conservative treatments, injections or surgery may be recommended. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.